OPINION: Q&A with Journal Community Council member Joanne Fine

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series introducing readers to our new Community Council members. These are excerpts from a longer podcast interview. Joanne Fine, who lived in New Mexico since 1996, has worked for United Way as the chief communications officer and has been involved deeply with the community to address critical social issues.

Q: What led you to work with law enforcement and justice initiatives?

A: While at United Way, we conducted a survey across four counties in Central New Mexico to identify the most pressing issues. The results were clear — domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse were the top concerns. Addressing domestic violence required collaboration with multiple partners, including law enforcement. This collaboration led to the establishment of the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, a one-stop support center for victims.

Q: Can you tell us about the Family Advocacy Center and its impact?

A: The idea was formed in 2006, and by October 2007, the center was operational. By the time I retired in 2013, the center had already served 27,000 unduplicated victims. Today, that number has significantly increased. The center brought together 14 organizations under one roof, providing streamlined support services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Q: How did you unite different organizations to work toward a common goal?

A: It was a challenge, akin to bringing together 14 families with different backgrounds to live under one roof. We set clear ground rules, ensuring decision-makers were present so that decisions could be made efficiently. We created an operating manual to define roles and responsibilities and maintained a victim-centered focus, which helped unify the entities involved.

Q: After your work with the Family Advocacy Center, what was your role in the Albuquerque Police Department?

A: United Way continued collaborating with APD on various initiatives, including training programs on domestic violence in the workplace. We also worked with hotels and businesses to identify and combat criminal activities. Later, I joined the Police Oversight Board, where I served for five years, evaluating patterns in law enforcement and recommending changes to improve community relations and justice processes.

Q: What was your experience like working with APD during the Department of Justice oversight?

A: I saw multiple police chiefs come and go, each with different levels of commitment to reform. The oversight process led to improvements, and APD has since become more victim-focused, particularly in areas like human trafficking. Officers I encountered demonstrated a genuine desire to help people daily, challenging common misconceptions about policing.

Q: What motivated you to join the Albuquerque Journal’s Community Council?

A: I believe that in today’s society, we are not listening to each other’s arguments or seeking new information. Democracy depends on a well-informed public, and news organizations play a crucial role in fostering productive conversations. The Community Council aims to bring diverse perspectives to the forefront, encouraging more meaningful dialogue and engagement.

Q: Your recent op-ed addressed repeat offenders in crime. Could you talk a bit more about your thoughts on that?

A: My concern is that repeat offenders are not being held accountable for their past crimes. While everyone deserves a fair trial, prior convictions should be considered when determining consequences. Crime is a choice, and while circumstances vary, poverty or hardship should not serve as an excuse for criminal behavior.

Q: You are also active in Albuquerque’s Jewish community. How do you see your role in educating others about your faith?

A: My faith is a significant part of my moral compass, as I believe is the case for many people with different beliefs. In today’s world, it is easy to take cheap shots at others based on religion, race, gender, or other factors. I hope to encourage greater understanding and remind people to see each other for who we truly are, rather than through the lens of stereotypes.

Q: What do you hope to achieve through your work on the Community Council?

A: My goal is to provide deeper insights into the issues affecting our community while also celebrating its successes. I want to help readers access information they might not otherwise encounter and inspire more engagement in discussions that shape our city’s future.